Sherlock Holmes (1984-1994) In my opinion THE BEST adaptation of Sherlock Holmes! In the role of lifetime Jeremy Brett was and is still amazing as Sherlock Holmes. When it is difficult to tell the difference between the actor and the part he is portraying, you know you are witnessing something truly AMAZING. If you have not seen this (wince), you must, right now!
Sherlock (2010, 2012, 2014 and the 4th Series should be in 2016) I will admit, I was very hesitant at first, being a die-hard fan of Jeremy Brett’s version—A show appearing out of nowhere claiming that it is a contemporary “retelling” of Sherlock Holmes starring two people I hadn’t really even heard of! What are they thinking? Apparently their thinking was right on target and who now has not heard of Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) and Martin Freeman (Doctor John Watson)? Now it’s just having the patience to wait for the 4th Series to finally come out!
Rosemary and Thyme (2003-2006) Tell me who wouldn’t want to solve murder mysteries when you are surrounded by beautiful gardens, sweeping landscapes and cozy cottages? This is probably the most relaxing of a murder mystery series; apparently this series is what is known as a “cozy mystery”. It stars Pam Ferris (as Laura Thyme—whom you’ll recognize because I feel she is in every British movie and/or series including Harry Potter) and Felicity Kendal (as Rosemary Boxer). The first episode shows us how the two become friends, one a retired WPC (Woman Police Constable) whose husband after 27yrs has left her for a younger woman and the other a PhD. University lecturer in horticulture who has just been made “redundant.”
Hetty Wainthropp Investigates (1996-1998) –Now I know that Patricia Routledge is more well known for her other series “Keeping Up Appearances” however personally I enjoyed her character in this series better. It starts off with Henrietta, “Hetty,” wondering what she will do with her self now that she is retired, even though it seems her husband Robert (played by Derek Benfield) is perfectly content being retired. She decides to work at what we would call a small drug store. This is where it all begins…how she takes on a live-in Assistant, Geoffrey Shawcross (played by Dominic Monaghan *one of the Hobbit’s), A later-in-the-series spunky car mechanic girlfriend Janet Frazer (played by Suzanne Maddock), a meddlesome brother in-law from Australia Frank (played by Frank Mills) and last but not least DCI Adams (played by John Graham Davies), whom Hetty has a built a working relationship with through her many cases. Definitely another “cozy mystery” but after a long day, who wouldn’t want to cuddle on the couch and just drift into a different world?
Foyle's War (2002-2015) –Michael Kitchen, do I really need to say more? I mean, seriously, when all you need is a look or a nod to communicate your point eloquently, who needs too many words? Especially when you are Michael Kitchen! So, the premise; World War II 1940-1945, Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle is in his opinion “stuck” on the home front solving war crimes and of course murders. Assisted by a former colleague, now honorably discharged from the war due to an injury is Detective Sergeant Paul Milner (Anthony Howell) and his driver Samantha "Sam" Stewart (Honeysuckle Weeks). Also Foyle’s son, Andrew (Julian Ovenden), who is a fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force, makes a few appearances as well. In the last two series, which takes place during 1946-1947, Foyle is recruited by an old acquaintance to join MI5, even though he is very happy to be retired, he decides to accept the post. Only this time Sam is the only one that joins him. This is definitely another “must-see”!
Agatha Christie's Marple (2004-2009—Series 1-3 starring Geraldine McEwan) Now I know there are fans of Joan Hickson, but to me this one is one of my favorite renditions of Miss Marple (my other is the black and white movies starring Margaret Rutherford). Geraldine McEwan portrays Marple as an older yet energetic woman who has a twinkle in her eye when she is solving murders. You can tell she enjoyed playing the part because that feeling is infectious every time you watch it! Of course being surrounded by amazing guest stars such as, Ian Richardson, Joanna Lumley, James Fox, Derek Jacobi, David Warner, Anthony Andrews, Greta Scacchi, Claire Bloom and Charles Dance, just to name a few! Unfortunately Geraldine wanted to retire so Julia McKenzie took over, whom in my opinion, pales in comparison so that is why I only recommend Series 1 thru 3.
New Tricks (2003-2012 Series 1 thru 9—Main Characters start leaving in Series 9 & Up) Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks right? Well in this series the past comes up quite a bit given that the department that is created within the Metropolitan Police Service is called Unsolved Crime and Open Case Squad (UCOS). The person in charge of UCOS is DSI Sandra Pullman (Amanda Redman) who is in charge of hiring the team. In a panic she immediately turns to her mentor Jack Halford—Ex-Detective Chief Superintendent (James Bolam). As they go through the very slim list of applicants and with the sage advice of her mentor, they end up with choosing Gerry Standing—Ex-Detective Sergeant (Dennis Waterman) known as a bit of a Ladies man yet with the charm of an old-fashioned policeman personality and Brian Lane –Ex-Detective Inspector (Alun Armstrong) known as “Memory” Lane given his talent for detail and instant recall but also deals with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Other reoccurring characters are Deputy Assistant Commissioner Robert Strickland (Anthony Calf)—this is their 2nd boss, the first one retired early in the series, Esther Lane (Susan Jameson)—Brian’s patient and loving wife whom in real life is actually married to the actor James Bolam, Emily Driscoll (Hannah Waterman)—who plays Gerry’s estranged daughter whom in real life is his daughter and a name you will remember because he is the “Achilles heel” of Jack and when you watch this series you will know why—Ricky Hanson (David Troughton).
Vera (2011-2015) To see Brenda Blythen as Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Vera Stanhope of the fictional Northumberland & City Police is as usual, wonderful to watch! Ever since “Secret & Lies” I have been a fan of hers. Her character is aided by Detective Sergeant (DS) Joe Ashworth (David Leon) whom is like a son to her however in the recent series 5 a new “right-hand” man is on the scene DS Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty) and there is the ever reliable DC Kenny Lockhart (Jon Morrison). This series is a little more “grittier” and “darker” than some of the other British mysteries however it does an excellent job of keeping your attention and trying to guess right up to the end who the killer is!
Prime Suspect (1991-2006—Part of the Masterpiece Mystery Anthology Series) Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector (later in the series promoted to Detective Superintendent) Jane Tennison—one of the first female Detective Chief Inspectors in Greater London's Metropolitan Police Service. What could be more awesome than that! And when a show is voted 68th in the list of 100 Greatest British Television Programmes and in 2007 it was listed as one of Time magazine's “100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME.” Seriously, do I really need to elaborate.
Case Histories (2011 & 2013) Trivia: Malfoy’s Dad (Jason Isaacs) plays the main character Jackson Brodie. This made me a little weary at first to watch it however the little girl who plays his daughter, Marlee Brodie (played by Millie Innes) in this series is so cute to watch, especially with her Scottish accent! Of course having it filmed in Scotland doesn’t hurt either! Jason Isaacs, even though I know he is a talented actor, is surprisingly enjoyable to watch as well, personally I like this character much more than the other roles I have seen him in.
Other Watch Worthy Mysteries:
Wallander (Yes, Kenneth Branagh is one of the “Greats” and he of course is the main character of this series! Like the series “Vera” it’s a little grittier and darker but if you are in that mood then you will find this captivating to watch)
MI-5 (Good but intense—not one I would recommend “binge watching”—have to take in doses)
Broadchurch (Trivia: the 10th of Doctor Who’s and also starred in Harry Potter as Barty Crouch Jr.—David Tennant plays DI Alec Hardy and his co-star Olivia Colman (plays Detective Ellie Miller) who is a new face to me yet I thought her quite good. In my opinion the 1st series was very engrossing however the 2nd series fell short)
Above Suspicion (It stars Ciarán Hinds who I think is brilliant so my expectations of this series were quite high. Unfortunately it did not reach them, I felt that it had you suffer through this “ordeal” with no real closure at the end of the episode. If you are okay with this kind of “formula” if you will, then you will probably enjoy it, however, for me, I need closure so I’m afraid I did not watch it beyond the first episode of the 2nd series)
The Avengers (only the episodes with Dianna Rigg as “Emma Peel” are worth watching 1965-1968 and apparently others agree with me because a new set has come out titled “The Emma Peel Episodes”)
Midsomer Murders (Enjoyable yet seems to go on forever which if you find comfort in that consistency, then this is the series for you!)
Mrs. Bradley Mysteries (Only the one series but enjoyable as always to watch Dianna Rigg, yes I am a fan!)
Jericho (Trivia: Brendan Coyle aka John Bates has a small part however yet portrays the very opposite of the part he plays in “Downton Abbey”— stars Robert Lindsay as Detective Inspector Michael Jericho—good series and worth a look, many recognizable faces from British Television—very similar to Foyle’s War but of course not as good!)
Kingdom (starring Steven Fry, so had to watch—it’s a good series but felt a little “dis-jointed” and yet the series ends too soon!)
Murdoch Mysteries (Actually its Canadian however I had to mention it because, yes, it is that good! Although beware there is bit more to see as far as the bodies…)
No comments:
Post a Comment